• Students who experience and are significantly impacted by a major life event that prevents or impedes their ability to participate in NYS diploma requirements may qualify for an exemption from certain of those requirements if they meet the following criteria:

    1. the student was enrolled in a course of study or make-up program leading to a required diploma assessment;
    2. the student met or exceeded the expected learning outcomes for the course of study; and
    3. a major life event significantly impacted or prevented the student’s participation in such required diploma assessment.

    A major life event includes:

    1. any severe illness, severe medical condition, or life-altering incident that significantly impacts or prevents a student’s participation in a required diploma assessment (e.g., hospitalization, an accident causing serious injury);
    2. severe illnesses and severe medical conditions are acute or chronic illnesses or health conditions that carry a high risk of mortality, detrimentally impact students’ quality of life and daily function, and/or are significantly burdensome in symptoms and/or treatments (e.g., cancer treatment); and/or
    3. life-altering incidents are experiences or occurrences that significantly change students’ lives (e.g., a destructive house fire, the death of a parent or person in parental relation, homelessness, or trauma related to deportation or detainment).

    Students or parents/guardians of students who have experienced a major life event and feel that they may be eligible should contact their school counselor or principal. The superintendent will make the final determination on granting an exemption. 

    For additional information, please see the FAQ from the NYS Education Department HERE.